Feedback on the 2026 USA Haedong Kumdo Seminar by Justine

[HAEDONG]

Georgia Haedong Kumdo Dojang
Feedback on the 2026 USA Haedong Kumdo Seminar

September 18–19, 2026
Written by Justine Shiau

Attending this weekend’s two-day martial arts sword seminar,

Follow the Energy, led by Grand Master Kim and hosted by Master Kieth Fentress, was a wonderful opportunity to learn and grow as a martial artist and a reminder of how much there is still to learn with sword art.

Reflecting back on my first seminar experience, this weekend I felt a bit more grounded, having almost a year of training along with Master Curtis back in our home dojang provided a baseline allowed me to follow instructions more clearly and absorb details that I previously missed, shifting my focus toward the finer nuances of blade mechanics and body movement.


A true highlight of the weekend was the privilege of getting in person instruction and live feedback from Grand Master Kim.

Immersing myself in two full days of dedicated sword practice created an environment that is hard to replicate in routine weekly training.

Having Grand Master Kim in person provided immediate feedback on subtle corrections to grip, footwork, and intent offered a new depth to the training.

The experience acted as a gentle mirror, helping me recognize my present capabilities while clearly pointing out the technical areas I must refine as I return to my regular practice.

Beyond the technical training, the spirit of the event was defined by warmth and camaraderie.

The hospitality extended by the host, Master Kieth Fentress, and the Sykesville Family Tae Kwon Do community made me feel welcome.

I was energized to see and witness firsthand the exceptional techniques and mastery displayed with the sword and I am deeply inspired by my fellow attendees.

This weekend provided an opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces from last year, Master Lisa Kozak and her crew, sharing stories of our respective journeys, and train alongside new partners; everyone, was eager to help one another grow.

I am deeply grateful to Grand Master Kim, Master Kieth Fentress, and the entire Sykesville Family Tae Kwon Do community for their generosity, guidance, and spirit. I was deeply inspired by the energy this weekend, I look forward to the next twelve months of practice with Master Curtis focusing on technique refinement, and steady growth, as well as sharing what we have learned with our taekwondo family in Georgia.
-----
Comment by Grandmaster Kim Jeong Seong
President, United World Haedong Kumdo Federation
----
Thank you, Justine, for sharing such a sincere and thoughtful reflection.

Compared with last year, I could clearly see how much you have grown through your steady training with Master Curtis. Now that you have become a black belt, your training must enter a new stage. Along with continued wooden- and practice-sword training, you should gradually begin training with a live blade under proper guidance and with the utmost attention to safety. You should also devote yourself more seriously to cutting practice, as it will help you understand correct blade angle, distance, body movement, focus, and the true flow of energy through the sword.

I hope you will continue refining these foundations and return next year with even greater confidence, maturity, and technical development. I look forward to seeing how much further you have progressed.